Ideas

This is the season of New Year's Resolutions. Whether it's deciding to join a gym or cut back on sweets, chances are you're making some resolutions for 2014.

Back in the 1970s, 25 percent of the American workforce counted on a union card to guarantee their household a place in the middle class. Blame technology, globalization or even the oil embargo, but union membership has declined as the service economy evolved. Now, standing between American households and a middle class lifestyle is a college diploma, yet only 30 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds have a bachelor's degree.

Glendale-based AmeriSign & Graphics, a full-service sign, design, digital imaging and offset printing company, announced that it has changed its name to Brilliant DPI.

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. has added two commercial engine experts to its Commercial Power sales team.

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership will host its annual Manufacturing Matters! Conference on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave. in Milwaukee.

Oldenburg Metal Technologies Inc. has purchased Gen Mach Tooling in Saukville.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. has agreed to sell its automotive electronics business to Visteon Corp. for $265 million.

Jorge Franco has officially taken over leadership of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin as president and chief executive officer.

Milwaukee-based ManpowerGroup reported its strongest Hiring Outlook for employers for 2014 since the first quarter of 2008.